Elgin's D Hangout boasts two bars in one

D Hangout Bar and Grill, which took over Streets of Chicago's long-empty space on Elgin's McLean Boulevard in January, is effectively two bars in one. With a sports bar upstairs and a piano bar in the basement, you can easily transition from watching the game to relaxing with some live music, all while enjoying the same friendly service.

Motif: The upstairs space features a long bar in the center set with black chairs with red cushions and surrounded by tall tables and a few booths. Two pool tables, two dart boards, Golden Tee and boxing video games provide some extra entertainment. Neon beer signs and posters line the walls and you can pick tunes from a digital jukebox when there isn't anyone performing on the corner stage. No matter where you're sitting, you'll have a view of a few of the 38 TVs that line the space. The bathroom area is decorated to look like a locker room with images of wrestlers on the doors, a nod to owner Mike Deol's former career as a professional wrestler.

Downstairs in the piano bar you'll find tables topped with black tablecloths and electric candles, a second bar and black couches. Framed album covers and black-and-white murals of Chicago landmarks decorate the walls.

Food: Burgers, Reuben sandwiches and wings are very popular, with the chicken coming in a wide variety of sauces including bourbon glaze and chipotle Cajun jerk. The pulled pork is such a hit that they were out of it when we visited early Saturday night. Even the half-order of the nachos turned out to be a huge plate of chips covered in cheese sauce, sour cream, shredded lettuce, jalapeños and grilled chicken with a mild salsa on the side.

Liquid consumption: Like the food, the drink menu here is pretty basic, though there are plenty of good deals to be found. Along with offering a craft beer of the month for $3.50 every day, D Hangout serves $10 domestic pitchers on Wednesdays, $14 domestic buckets Thursdays and $5.50 bombs on Fridays and Saturdays.

Crowd: Upstairs primarily brings in local sports fans in their 30s to 60s, though the crowd is younger on Friday nights. The downstairs space regularly hosts private parties.

Service: While it took a bit for anyone to help us when we first came in, our friendly server was happy to make recommendations and came quickly with our drink order and food menus.

Music: DJs spin dance music on Fridays and the downstairs piano bar hosts live music Fridays and Saturdays. You'll find local bands playing everything from classic rock to pop onstage upstairs on Saturdays. Wednesdays are open mic nights and you can also sing during karaoke Thursdays.

Parking: The bar offers a small free lot.

Overall: Whether your team wins or loses, the live music at D Hangout will help you mellow out afterward.

D Hangout Bar and Grill

550 S. McLean Blvd., Elgin, (847) 717-0511, <a href="http://d-hangout.com">d-hangout.com</a>

<b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday